Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 70: Rise Of A Hero(Part 6)
Location: Azalea Town's Western City Limit
Noah's POV
"Chimchaarr!" Commander 12's Chimchar cried as it rammed into a hapless Larvitar while cloaked in the flames of Flame Wheel.
"L-l-aarrr..." Larvitar tried as hard as she could to get back to her feet, all in a vein effort. Larvitar's will had given in as she fell back to the ground.
"This can't be..."
There Chimchar and 12 were, standing tall over not only Larvitar and Sylveon, but Bugsy's Scizor, and even the large Ariados that used to belong to 22. I guess the level and evolutionary stage of a pokemon are completely meaningless when a strategy is executed correctly...
"She's so powerful..." Bugsy said, "She AND 10...They've taken down my entire team...I can't fight anymore..."
"Sylveon!" Maisy yelled as she and Althaea went to comfort the downed Sylveon, "Sylveon, please wake up."
"Please be okay..." Althaea whispered.
"O-oon..." To the relief of both of them, Sylveon slowly regained consciousness, and the first thing it saw was Althaea. Sylveon frowned, only for Althaea to give it a smile.
"No need to be so hard on yourself," Althaea said as she recalled her tired pokemon into it's Pokeball, "Sleep tight..."
I too recalled my downed pokemon in Larvitar.
"Hahaha!" 12 smiled as she looked at Althaea, "You DO remind me of Sakura, I'll give you that. But you're nowhere near as strong as she is. P.S: You should go easy on the perfume, Pinky." She brushed back her periwinkle blue bang as Althaea gave her a confused look.
"Who's Sakura?" Althaea asked.
Unfortunately, Althaea's question would come without an immediately answer. She, Maisy...the tired Ariados, 12, C.C, and I ALL tensed up at a sudden screeching that sounded like it was coming from the forest. That sound...or THOSE sounds...the crying, along with much movement in the grass...there were more than plenty of 'things' making their way out of the forest, toward where we were.
"Something's coming..." I whispered.
"But what?" Bugsy asked.
Even Commander 12 and her Chimchar seemed uneasy as the cries and garssy movement became louder. And louder, and louder...were those all pokemon?!
"Guys!" I called for Maisy and Althaea, "Come here!" I walked away from Azalea Town's main path and hid right behind a set of bushes. We didn't know what we could be against.
Being the first to witness whatever was coming from the forest, Commander 12 gasped. Chimchar was startled, and as a result, 12 had to swiftly grab him as she too hid behind a set of bushes.
We were all anxious to see who or what would emerged from Ilex Forest...
"...Ven..." What emerged from the forest was but a single Venipede. Before proceeding into Azalea, the Venipede stopped an glimpse into the distant mountains. "Ven. Ven..." The Venipede turned back to face the forest.
Over the next few minutes, my ears had to adjust, but I could hear: The many footsteps resuming from inside the forest. Bunches and bunched at a time, pokemon emerged from the darkness of the trees like there was no tomorrow. I had never seen this many pokemon at one time before. All the Poison and Bug types were heading into town, with the single Venipede leading the way.
Location: Ilex Forest
Zero's POV
It was disturbing, seeing what lied under the cloak of Commander 10 for the very first time. Under that cloak, lied a man who's skin color was a pasty shade of grey. The sclera in his eyes were black, while the pupils were a dark lavender color. He had violet brown color hair that curled up in a mohawk. And her was scrawny, or bony. He almost looked like he had anorexia. He didn't have a shirt on, but he was now wearing his cloak as a black cape, and he wore black, baggy pants.
Looking at the true 10 for the very first time was enough for me to momentarily drop my guard, and 10 used this as an opportunity to strike back. But before the dark aura could make it's way toward me, I stepped back, wincing and flinching. I stepped on a rock, and fell to the ground as a result. And there, I lay on my back, cracks of light beaming down on my face through the few holes that were in the leafy ceiling.
An unmasked Shadow approached me. I couldn't really see his facial expression because the light from above made him look much like a silhouette from where I was.
"What a bother. It seems as though my look has disturbed you quite a bit. It's almost worth a chuckle," 10 said amused, "Well if you don't like what you see now, you'll hate the show I have in store for you."
And it was then, 10 decided to grab me by my shirt using just one hand. With 10 no longer in need of any assistance at this point, all the two grunts could do now is watch. It was uncomfortable, the back of my neck basically being pinched by the back of my shirt. And even though my head was merely hanging off the back of my shirt, I could feel the cold stare coming from those 'demon eyes' of Shadow.
"...Join me..." 10 said to me.
Joining 10 wasn't a suggestion, it was a demand in which I has no say in the matter as 10 began to forcefully carried me with just one hand.
...
It wasn't too long before 10 dropped me to the ground, or should I say, the branch. That's right, 10, the two grunts, and I were all on a branch of what appeared to be the biggest and tallest tree in Ilex Forest. We were right on the imaginary line that separated the darkness of the forest from the light of day. It was like finally reaching the end of a tunnel.
When I got to my knees, I breathed heavily, though I wasn't at all tired from attempting to strike 10.
"Look..." said 10 all of a sudden, directing for me to look over the tree's edge, "Come on, hurry up and look! Look or you'll miss the best part!"
I-I didn't want to see what 10 was talking about, because I already knew what it was. And though I knew what it was, I rose to my two feet and looked over the edge, and was STILL horrified by what I saw.
It truly was a view to witness; the entire population of Azalea Town indirectly falling at the hands of 10's manipulation. Manipulation of every one of the pokemon that called the forest their home. Manipulation was what made all these pokemon badly poison every resident, and every trainer just passing by...Because there wasn't enough medicine to cure a basically 'unlimited' supply of poison, everyone eventually went untreated, and died...They could've called for outside guidance, but making sure that DIDN'T happen was what the many unranked Neo Snagem grunts were for. The Neo Snagem grunts...they weren't spared either...
Hundreds of Neo Snagem grunts...
Tens of thousands of innocent people...
That's right, today, their souls were all destroyed, all thanks to 10. And the worst part was, 10's genocide plot was still in progress, and 10 was just laughing casually.
"Hahahaha! Hilarious!" 10 looked like he was about to break a rib, "Now THIS is Comedy Gold!"
I dropped back to my knees, despairing in utter disbelief at the reality that was settling in: The Town of Azalea has been completely eliminated...
"Okay, so," 10 started as he took out his black Pokegear, "Atticus, it's me, 10. I've some positive news that I'm sure you'd love to hear personally. Guess what? That 3D concert movie in Azalea Town I've wanted to make? It finally happened! I call it 'Blood on the dance floor! I had the whole town literally screaming their hearts out, with the occassional blood. Ahh,, how I loves me some death metal. I can't wait for the sequel, haha!" It was as if 10 had completely forgotten that I existed as he started to casually walk back into the forest, still rambling about on the phone, "Azalea Town is now ours for the taking."
"Z-Zero?" One of the grunts called out to me with concern, even though we were enemies, "Zero, are you coming back with us? I know you and 10 aren't on the same page right now, but still.."
"...My decision was made final earlier. The conflict between Commander 10 and I only confirmed one thing: That the relationship between me and Neo Snagem has all but faded. But why did I not see the error of my ways until it was too late?" Slowly, I rose to my feet again, and walked toward the branch's edge, staring into the setting sun. With Azalea Town and the other forest trees hundreds of feet below where I stood, it was like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, "...I need to find myself. It's happened gradually, but I've changed. And so I say this to you..." I turned to the two grunts," Next time we meet, we WON'T be allies."
And with that, I took out my Pokeball and threw it off the edge, releasing a Charizard who waited for me in the sky.
"Neo Snagem, this is goodbye..." I said to the two grunts as I jumped off the edge, allowing for Charizard to catch me, and wing me away...
Location: Azalea Town's Western City Limit
Noah's POV
Tens of thousands of people, gone before our eyes...Every single human body now rests on the ground, as lifeless as a broken doll. The emotionally scarring experience was enough to change me on the inside. Even in a situation as hopeless as this, I could at least say to myself: I am grateful to be alive right now...
We were right on the edge of an empty Ilex Forest. I was hiding right next to the large Ariados. Both Maisy and Althaea were frozen in shock, their tear filled faces still staring back at an Azalea Town who's only residents now were the poison type pokemon of the forest.
Even Commander 12 and C.C were in a state of post traumatic stress. She was quivering, as she was stuttering her words as she held C.C closer to her than I'd ever seen before," I-I...I...almost d-d-d-died..." She said to herself hysterically, a forced chuckled sneaking it's way out," 10...h-h-he...he tried..he tried to k-k-kill me..."
Commander 12's stuttering soon became whispers. And then, it went quiet...
..."Aaaahhh! Don't you run away from me, you, you..." It was so sudden. 12 was screaming at the top of her lungs, "SHADOW! Don't you leave me behind!" I didn't know what exactly 12 was thinking when she started to run deeper and deeper into the forest. She was probably looking for 10...
With the voice of 12 now gone, the atmosphere slipped into an even more subdued feeling than before. This allowed for my mind to wander before I started to wonder: What's next for for us?
"Us..." I said to myself as I turned to Miasy and Althaea, who both stared at the ground blankly, "You guys..." It was as if they didn't even hear me, so I myself had to do something. But what? I knew exactly what I had to do , and I wasn't at all confortable with it...But...but at a time like this, I'm sure anyone would need a shoulder to cry on. So I approached the two girls, and knelt right to the both of their 'drooping' faces.
Trying to emotionally comfort someone was a first for me.
"Guy," I started as the setting sun started to beam down on us through the leaves on the trees, "The lives of many people were lost today. We tried our best to help, but apparently, our best wasn't good enough. And no matter what happens now, we can't bring back those we have lost. But know this: Kurt, and everyone else, they would have wanted you both to live on. Let your tears out, and at least try to smile, because you both get to live another day." I put one hand on each of their shoulders respectively, which shocked me. Maisy and Althaea looked to see a very unusual something on my face: A smile, "Are you as gratefull as me to be alive rightnow?"
Maisy was the first to react. She sniffled. I know how tough it is, losing your family while you're still young.
Althaea reached to her shoulder, and grabbed my hand, holding it close to her as she clenched tightly. Not once did she look away from my eyes at that moment. There was a very vivid shine to her blue, watery passing, she nodded as I slowly pulled my hand back and refocused my attention on Maisy. She didn't make eye contact with me...
"What next for us?" Maisy whispered, "Even when we make it to Goldenrod, I've no place to come back to, Althaea. I have no goals, I have no future..."
Of course, convincing Maisy WOULD take more effort. She was beyond depressed. Tears still came down her face, but she was no longer angry, or sad. She's just...She's given up. My smile turned into a frowned for just a few seconds when remembering that Kurt was killed just for the entertainment of a 'monster'...This girl needs vindication.
"...Come with me..." I said to Maisy," Come with me, and we'll destroy Neo Snagem once and for all."
Maisy looked at me with an obviously surprised expression, "You...You'd do that?
I gave her a slow but sure nod.
"Then I'll come too!" Althaea said as she approached Maisy. To be quite honest, I sort of anticipated that she'd want to stick with Maisy.
"What?" Maisy said confused, " But waht about your dream? What about your perfume?"
"I'd rather my dreams come true in a world that's safer for all of us; A world that's safe from Neo Snagem." Althaea answered.
"So that's that?" I asked Maisy, "Will you accept my offer?"
Now it was Maisy's turn to give me a slow but sure nod.
"I rpromise you, you will be taken care of..." I told Maisy.
"I promise too," Althaea added.
"Then, it's an adventure?" Maisy asked.
"An adventure it is..." I answered.
Maisy began to wipe her face. She then grabbed my hand as I helped her slowly rise to her feet. The moment where she and I made eye contact really dragged on before...
"Oh!" Suddenly, Maisy ran into me, and hugged me with a hint of passion. I smiled, and I could sense my pride slowly starting to take aback seat as I returned her hug. Sigh...When was the last time I've hugged somebody? When was the last time I've been hugged?
Seconds later, we separated, and I was met with a smile on the face of Althaea.
"So, where to next?" Althaea asked.
"Hmm..." I started, after I beat Whitney in Goldenrod, we'll backtrack here on our way to Union Cave. Then, we'll return to Violet AND Marion City on our way to a Dark Cave that'll lead us straight to Blackthorn City, where I'll have my fourth gym battle."
"Wo...So I'll be visiting Violet and Marion City again..." Althaea said to herself, "Who knows? Maybe I'll get to see Yumi again..."
"So it's settled..." But before heading to Goldenrod, it was going to be a long day resting in Ilex Forest...
Location: Ilex Forest's Northern Exit
12's POV
I-I couldn't believe what had just happened back there. A whole town of people killed, and I could've been one of them...
10 didn't even spare the grunts who were stationed throughout. In a way, we of Neo Snagem were all just pawns to 10...I was a pawn...ME! How could I, Master of Ceremonies, go from being 'A-list' to being a disposable pawn?! 10's genocide on Azalea was something I honestly couldn't care less about. What REALLY ticked me off was that he attempted to kill ME in the process.
"You! Don't you turn your back on me!" Was what I kept screaming out loud as I continued to run after 10, C.C barely hanging on to my moving shoulder.
After running for who knows how long, I finally found who I was looking for...Or did I? Right at Ilex Forest's northern exit, accompanied by two grunts, stood a long, lavender mohawked, grey skinned, scrawny man who's cloak was being worn like some sort of cape.
"You...You can't be..." I said as I stopped. His back was turned, but the two grunts were looking me right in the eye.
"Yes, it is I-" Slowly, the caped man faced the two of us, revealing to C.C and I very disturbing eyes. They had a black sclera, and blood red pupils, "- Commander 10, Shadow..."
And though his look was disturbing, it didn't take my mind off the conflict that loomed. I began to scream at the Commander, "What the heck was that back there?! Would it matter to you if I was dead right now?!"
"To tell the truth, not really," 10 answered casually.
"Why you?!" Fists clenched, I took a single, angry step toward the psycho.
"But answer me this: Are you alive right now?" 10 asked, "Does your near death experience make you more grateful than ever to be alive at this very moment?"
"You talk too much." I said.
10 sighed, "The ignorance of teenagers these days..." he said to himself, "I talk too much? And this is coming from some loudmouth celebrity 'wannabe'."
"What'd you say?!"
"Don't worry, I'm very aware of your backstory, 12." 10 said as he started to pace around C.C and I very slowly, "To begin your very own Pokemon Journey from the town of Sandgem, you were given the class of Pokemon Trainer. With your first Pokemon in Chimchar by your side, you wasted no time venturing to Sinnoh's television capital, Jublife City. You never really had much interest in becoming a Pokemon Trainer, you just used it as an excuse to get to Jublife. But you never made it as a celebrity."
Shadow knowing THAT much about my history caused me to stand down for the moment, "...Do you wanna know why I never made it big?" I asked rhetorically, "Back in Sandgem Town, I met this boy. He was the same age as me. Him and I were scheduled to get our first pokemon on the same day. Of course, I chose Chimchar. And him? Well, he said that he already had a fire type 'on the way' so he chose Turtwig. And well..."
"...You two developed a friendly rivalry," 10 started to continue where he left off, "But that friendship was only the beginning..."
"Each and every time we battle, it was always about HIM. When we'd attract a crowd, the people would always say 'her, that's HIM battling right now!' Even when I WON, it was STILL ALL ABOUT HIM. What about me? That...that wasn't what upset me the most..." I said, "When we finally made it to Jublife, we had yet another pokemon battle. And like always, it was HIS Turtwig against MY Chimchar. Turtwig won. And you know who was watching THIS time?"
"Cynthia." 10 answered.
"She got him everything a rookie trainer could ask for: Fame, fortune, and a springboard to becoming one of Sinnoh's biggest celebrities. And then there was me; I was just left behind."
"You developed an inferiority complex because of this. An inferiority complex that makes you hate THIS someone," 10 said.
"And even so, he threw away all that fame because 'he felt he had no identity of his own'," I said.
"Even Commander Atticus kept a close eye on him," 10 said.
I smiled, " Each and every one of our battles, Atticus told me he watched them himself. After FINALLY triumphing over my rival in the Sinnoh League, Atticus opened his eyes, and allowed for me to make my name know as a part of Team Neo Snagem. I would be Neo Snagem's newest Commander: Commander 12. But..." My smile turned into a scowl, "Our rivalry DIDN'T end at the Sinnoh League. Come to find out, HE too was apart of Neo Snagem. He was-and STILL IS-ranked higher than me..."
"'HE' is Commander Zero..."
"They would always compare him to former Champion Rosen..." I said with my head down.
I only joined Neo Snagem because I didn't want to be overshadowed my Zero anymore. But even with my growing fanbase in the organization, I was still just a background character when standing next to him.
"Well if you wish to become greater than Zero ever was, now is as good of a time as any to reach toward that goal."
"Oh?" I said confused as I looked at Shadow, "But how?"
"Zero no longer acts as a part of Neo Snagem. In a way, Commander Zero simply eliminated himself. Whatever lies next for him, I'm not sure."
"...I'll find him," I said to the caped 10, "I'll find him, and I'll END him! If he's not with us, he's against us!"
"By all means, nobody's stopping you," 10 said.
"Yeah..."
I began to run back in the direction of Azalea Town, the last place I saw Zero. It was a goal: To put an end to an old rival of mine. Nothing else mattered as of now. It was time for me to break out of the shell called 'Zero'...
To Be Continued...
But not before 10 got one last word in..."That should keep the annoying girl out of my head for a while." 10 chuckled.
...
Author's Note:
It is what it is. This arc's climax is complete, and next chapter will be the last before we return to our main heroines and 'anti hero'.
But here's a little something: I'm gonna be honest right here, Commander 12 was originally supposed to be just a lowly one-off character who was just going to be easily eliminated by 10 this chapter...that was until I reread some of my story and realized how horribly written Neo Snagem's earliest Commanders were. 25, 23, 21, and 19 were all one off characters with nothing going for them whatsoever. They were all scrubs. And if I remember correctly, only ONE of them even had any pokemon in the first place. You guys have probably noticed that Neo Snagem has won every one of Virus Version's recent arcs, that's because I want them to leave a lasting impression. I'm pretty Commander 10 is the most memorable antagonist at this point, even over Atticus. What I'm saying is: the days of one-off Commanders are over. Neo Snagem is a LEGIT ORGANIZATION.
On the the next note now: While we are on the subject of Neo Snagem, like I've said before: I have the next 10-15 chapters written thoroughly...but sadly, I don't have any plans for Neo Snagem in any of those chapters. It'll be all about character development, badges, contests, shipping, etc. I have a bunch of rivals for the protagonists to catch up on, AND I've got plenty of pokemon to evolve from just their BASIC stages.
Just stay tuned, I haven't used up all the major events yet. In fact, we're probably not even close to having some sort of 'filler'.